Key details

About the Hotel

West Cliff, Whitby, YO21 3EJ

Near the beach

Great

8.1

/10

3.3

3.5

Loved by Royal Whitby guests

Excellent location

Beautiful views

Clean room

Comfortable bed

"We had a fantastic view from the room window, looking over the bay and the Abby."

Martin from United Kingdom

read full review

"Our room 312 had a view of the abbey which was a lovely surprise."

Jodie from United Kingdom

read full review

"The new bar decoration is excellent"

Julie from United Kingdom

read full review

3-star hotel with panoramic sea views in Whitby

Rooms & Views

All 158 ensuite rooms offer various comfort options, with many looking out over the harbour and the ruined Gothic Whitby Abbey. The hotel provides a range of room types from single to family rooms and superior sea-view suites. Each room includes a flat screen TV, complimentary toiletries, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Dining & Entertainment

The onsite restaurant and bar both overlook the ocean and serve British cuisine, including beer battered haddock and chips and locally sourced Sunday roasts. Live music, comedy nights, and a full program of local events take place in the ballroom. The Fat Badger bar by reception provides a selection of beers and a lively atmosphere.

Family & Pet-Friendly Amenities

Pet-friendly accommodations are available, with a charge of £20 per dog per day, and dogs receive a fresh water bowl and treats at breakfast. Board games and puzzles are available for children, and kids can order from a separate menu. Daily housekeeping keeps rooms tidy for families.

Location & Parking

The hotel sits directly opposite the famous Whalebone Arch on Whitby's West Cliff, a 10-minute walk from the railway station and local shops. Secure parking with EV charging facilities is available for £8 per night, though spaces are limited and reservations in advance are recommended. Guests can walk to Whitby Abbey, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, and the North York Moors National Park from the hotel.

Accessibility & Business

The hotel has wheelchair accessible rooms and facilities for disabled guests, including toilets with grab rails. Meeting and banquet facilities with fax and photocopying services are available to guests. A 24-hour front desk and luggage storage are provided for convenience.

Highlights

View: Panoramic sea views of Whitby Abbey and harbour

Dining: Onsite restaurant with British cuisine and ocean views

Entertainment: Live music and comedy nights in the ballroom

Parking: Secure parking with EV charging facilities

Pets: Dog-friendly accommodations with daily treats

Location: Opposite Whalebone Arch, 10 minutes from train station

“In my opinion, this hotel's prime location, affording amazing views and easy access to Whitby's attractions, is its strongest suit; coupled with friendly service, it seems like a solid base for exploring the area. Renovations are underway, which may affect some stays, but the dog-friendly policy and on-site parking add considerable convenience. I think it's a promising option for those prioritizing location and practicality.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Location: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

View our interactive map

Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingHassle-Free Parking

I reserved parking in advance for just £6 per night. I was able to park from 11am, even though check-in wasn't until 3pm.

Oliver Smith from United Kingdom

Review on

DiningItalian Feast

The themed buffet nights were a hit. The 'Italian Night' was fabulous, with a great variety of delicious, high-quality foods.

Isabella Rossi from Italy

Review on

Room FeaturesAbbey View

The room overlooked the Abbey. It was newly decorated, fresh, and very clean. The view from the comfortable bed was gorgeous.

Mei Ling from China

Review on

BathroomSpacious and Clean

The bathroom was big and very clean, featuring a lovely, large shower. The big, fluffy white towels were spotless.

Hans Müller from Germany

Review on

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included

Standard Single Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

Facilities: Great

8.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
On-site car park
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Luggage storage
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

Services

Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Board games
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Beach access
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Leisure/ TV room
Jacuzzi

Room features

Heating
Mini-bar
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Bathtub
Free toiletries
Bathroom telephone

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
CD player
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Royal Whitby, guests can indulge in a delightful array of dining options that showcase traditional British cuisine with modern twists. The inviting restaurant and cozy bar/lounge provide family-friendly ambiances perfect for all meal occasions, making it an ideal spot for relaxed dining or vibrant gatherings.

Restaurant
Traditional British
Ambiance
Family-friendly and traditional setting with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Key Offerings
Highlights include a thoughtful menu catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences, ensuring all guests can enjoy satisfying meals together.
Reservation
Recommended
Breakfast: Mon-Fri 07:30 - 09:30, Sat-Sun 08:00 - 10:00; Dinner: Daily 18:00 - 20:00
Captain Cook's Bar and Lounge
Casual bar fare with a selection of drinks
Ambiance
A cozy and inviting lounge that serves as the perfect place to unwind, featuring a terrace ideal for enjoying the surrounding views.
Key Offerings
A wide variety of beverages including cocktails, wines, and beers to quench your thirst, alongside light snacks to accompany your drinks.
Reservation
Not needed
Hours vary, typically open during restaurant operational hours for drinks.

Royal Whitby Location

West Cliff, Whitby, YO21 3EJ

Map view

City landmarks

Landmark

Whitby Abbey

4100 ft

Art object

Captain Cook Memorial Museum Whitby

2400 ft

Museum

Whitby Museum

2600 ft

Landmark

Whitby Harbour

2100 ft

Church

St Mary's Church

3200 ft

Park

Pannett Park

3300 ft

Landmark

Whitby Wizard

4100 ft

Landmark

199 Steps

2700 ft

Landmark

The Cinder Track

3600 ft

Nearby

Event hall

Whitby Pavilion

1100 ft

Lighthouse

Whitby Lighthouse

1800 ft

Cliff Street

Captain Cook Statue

200 ft

North Terrace The west Cliff

Whalebone Arch

200 ft

Museum

Dracula Experience

1200 ft

Pier Road

RNLI Whitby Museum

800 ft

Church

St Hilda's Church

1100 ft

Beach

Whitby Beach

400 ft

Endeavour Wharf Dockend

The Endeavour Experience Whitby

1900 ft

Gallery

Pannett Park Art Gallery & Whitby Museum

2000 ft

Langborne Road

Whitby Town War Memorial

2000 ft

Poets Cottage Nr Whitby

Poets Cottage Shrub Nursery

1000 ft

Bridge

Swing Bridge

1400 ft

Caedmon's Cross

800 ft

9 Market Pl

John Freeman Studio

1200 ft

3 Church Ln

Caedmon Memorial

1400 ft

Restaurants

Clara's

500 ft

Esplanade Crescent

Truly Scrumptious

600 ft

16 Pier Road

Seafood Shack

700 ft

Unit 1 Pier Road

Full of Beans

700 ft

Khyber Pass

Trillo's of Whitby

800 ft

Pier Road Scotch Head

Humble Pie 'n' Mash

2200 ft

163 Church St

Whitby Wok

600 ft

Kiosk 10 Pier Road

Battery Parade Cafe

1000 ft

1-5 Battery Parade

Mister Chips by The Beach

1000 ft

Battery Parade

Skippers Cafe

1100 ft

5 Haggersgate

Stokers

1100 ft

1 Mulgrave Place

Proper Pasty Company

1100 ft

10 Marine Parade

Explore Whitby

Experience Whitby

Whitby Harbour

8 minutes' walk

Whitby Harbour offers stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll or enjoying fresh seafood.

Captain Cook Memorial Museum

9 minutes' walk

This museum showcases the life of Captain Cook through artifacts and exhibits in a historic whaling boathouse.

Whitby Abbey

15 minutes' walk

A dramatic cliff-top ruin with panoramic views, Whitby Abbey is steeped in history and associated with Bram Stoker's Dracula.

St Mary's Church

12 minutes' walk

Known for its historic architecture and beautiful views over the town, St Mary's is a vital part of Whitby's maritime heritage.

Sandsend Beach

10 minutes' drive

Relax at the serene Sandsend Beach, ideal for sunbathing and walking along the shoreline; perfect for families and couples.

The Cinder Track

13 minutes' walk

Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride on The Cinder Track, a former railway route offering beautiful countryside views.

Eskape Whitby

16 minutes' walk

Experience indoor rock climbing at Eskape Whitby, great for thriller-seekers of all ages; safety gear provided on-site.

Clara's

2 minutes' walk

This cozy café offers homemade cakes and hearty breakfasts, with a friendly atmosphere and vegan options available.

Seafood Shack

3 minutes' walk

A laid-back eatery specializing in fresh local seafood, known for their fish and chips; no reservations needed.

Trillo's of Whitby

3 minutes' walk

Charming with an intimate setting, Trillo's serves Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients; booking is recommended.

Whitby Pavilion

12 minutes' walk

A vibrant venue hosting live music and events with a sea view, suitable for all ages and featuring seasonal performances.

The Dracula Experience

5 minutes' walk

Interactive and spooky, this attraction offers a unique look into the Dracula legend with fun for the whole family.

Tips on navigating the city

City Centre
Whitby 6 min · 1700 ft
Airports
Durham Tees Valley (MME) 103 min · 42.4 mi
Leeds Bradford (LBA) 185 min · 76.6 mi
Train
Whitby Train Station 8 min · 2000 ft

Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway

Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 13.5 per person.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

144

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Royal Whitby is praised for its prime location near the beach and harbor, making it easy to explore Whitby's attractions. Many guests enjoyed rooms that are a nice size with comfortable beds and some offering excellent views of the sea and Whitby Abbey. The hotel also features a lively bar area and a cosy café with an outside patio, though a few guests have noted that the hotel is undergoing renovations.

Review score

Based on 7 verified reviews

8.0 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Location

9.3/10

Staff

9.0/10

Value for money

7.9/10

Facilities

8.0/10

Pros

Clean rooms

Excellent breakfast

Comfortable beds

Friendly staff

Cons

Extra parking fees

Broken lift

Gordon from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 11, 2026

9.0/10

Central Location and Great Breakfast

central location breakfast variety continental options

The hotel is in a central location. It made it easy to walk to the harbor and other sights. Breakfast offered a good variety of both cooked and continental options, including juices, tea, and coffee.

The lift was undergoing refurbishment .

Dining

9/10

Breakfast was delicious. The food was of excellent quality. I found a good variety of both cooked and continental options available, alongside juices, tea, and coffee, so it suited me.

Service

10/10

I got a warm welcome from a lovely receptionist upon my arrival. Check-in was quick and things were explained clearly to me, I appreciated it. Staff were helpful and pleasant at all times too!

Rooms

8/10

My room had excellent facilities, I appreciated the en-suite bathroom and the tea and coffee facilities. The room had good lighting. A comfy bed was also provided and ensured a restful night.

0 Helpful

michael from united kingdom

Family with children

standard double room sea view

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 07, 2026

8.7/10

fantastic stay!

renovated room helpful staff fantastic location

the staff were lovely and helpful throughout my stay. the location is also fantastic, providing easy access to nearby attractions.

the lift was not working, which presented a slight inconvenience.

Dining

9/10

The breakfast service was efficient and well-organized. every course was served hot and tasted delicious!!! the tables were arranged beautifully. I enjoyed it a lot.

Service

9/10

The staff exhibited excellent courtesy and professionalism upon arrival and during breakfast service. they handled requests efficiently and promptly. the team maintained a cute and helpful attitude. It was greatly appreciated.

Rooms

8/10

the room was generous in size and well-equipped with all necessities. a hospitality tray was available, it included tea, coffee, mineral water, and biscuits. i found the provided amenities very convenient and practical.

0 Helpful

Mia from Germany

Single

standard single room sea view

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 09, 2026

9/10

new furniture great views helpful staff

the room was newly decorated with new furniture it felt fresh. the location offered great views from a short walk over the road. i found the staff really helpful too.

the bathroom had a broken bath panel with a stained shower curtain.

0 Helpful

Luke from United Kingdom

Family with children

Standard Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 27, 2025

6/10

great value refurbished room cold room old hotel

The location was good to walk into town. I saw nice views from short walk over the road. The room completed to a high standard after refurbishment. I think it was a great value.

Central heating were not on and room were really cold. The bathroom radiator would not go on, so it were a little unpleasent. The hotel its an old hotel. Heating its a must when cold.

0 Helpful

Charlotte from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 10, 2025

6/10

mixed feelings about my stay

difficult remote cold room

The room was quite disappointing. It felt quite small. the tv remote was difficult. there were far too many channels requiring passwords, a regular tv with standard free channels would have been better. the cold room and the noisy lift also detracted from the stay.

0 Helpful

Daniel from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room Sea View

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 24, 2025

9.5/10

EXCELLENT stay, amazing views

abbey view friendly staff convenient parking

The corner room, a Standard Double Room Sea View, offered AMAZING sea and abbey views. It reminded me of a postcard. The shower was excellent. The staff were really friendly and check-out at 11 AM reminded me of a HUGE bonus. I had plenty of time. Parking cost £6 per night and was worth it for the convenience (especially in peak season).

The kettle wasn't super clean.

Service

10/10

The staff offered friendly assistance throughout my stay. They were always available to help. The receptionist's kindness TRULY stood out. Staff members handle requests and inquiries with a professional and warm demeanor.

Location

9/10

The hotel's location provides fine views of the sea and abbey. It's a short walk into town. The position is ideal. A guest can easily explore local attractions from this GREAT spot.

0 Helpful

victoria from united kingdom

Family with children

standard double room sea view

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: August 23, 2025

8/10

good shower hotel parking

The room included a very good shower. the hotel has parking for £6 a day, we thought that was a bonus..

the hotel smelled of cigarette smoke. it was pretty grim.

0 Helpful

Show more reviews